By Zachary Gava
Harare , (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe will on October 22 this year host the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government, marking a major diplomatic milestone as the country prepares to assume the rotating chairmanship of one of the largest regional economic blocs on the African continent.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu told the media after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the summit will provide a platform to advance industrialisation, investment and deeper regional economic integration.
“Cabinet considered and approved the Hosting of the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit on 22 October 2026,” he said.
He said the high-level gathering will be held under the theme “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
“The objective of the Summit is to advance the principles of industrialisation, investment and regional economic integration,” he said.
Ahead of the Heads of State Summit, Zimbabwe will host the COMESA Business Forum on October 20, bringing together policymakers, investors and business leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities across the region.
This will be followed by the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on October 21, which will finalize key policy matters before they are considered by the Heads of State and Government.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the summit coincides with its assumption of the COMESA chairmanship for the 2026–2027 term, taking over from Kenya, after serving as the Vice Chair of the block since the 24th COMESA Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, in October last year.
Under COMESA’s rotational system, the country hosting the annual summit traditionally assumes the chairmanship of the regional organisation for one year.
Established in 1994, COMESA is one of the oldest and largest regional economic communities in African continent, comprising 21 member states stretching from North Africa through Eastern and Southern Africa.
Headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia, the bloc seeks to promote economic integration by removing trade barriers, facilitating the free movement of goods and services, attracting investment and fostering sustainable economic growth among member countries.
Zimbabwe’s assumption of the COMESA chairmanship is expected to elevate its regional profile, while providing an opportunity to influence the bloc’s agenda on industrialisation, trade, investment and infrastructure development. I
It also reinforces the growing role of Harare in regional diplomacy following its successful hosting of the 2024 SADC Summit and its increasing participation in continental integration initiatives.
The October summit is expected to position Zimbabwe at the centre of discussions aimed at accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through enhanced regional cooperation.
New Ziana
